FAQ

TATTOOS

DO TATTOOS HURT?

Though everyone has a different tolerance, receiving a tattoo is a painful, yet tolerable process. It requires the application of pigment under the first epidermal layer of the skin. Another factor as to how much a tattoo hurts applies to where on the body you get it. Any area directly over bone will be sensitive, including ribs, feet, hands, head, and pelvis to name a few. If you are looking for a less painful spot, you may want to consider less sensitive areas such as the fore-arm, upper-arm, shoulder, calf and thigh.

IS IT SAFE TO GET A TATTOO?

As long as you go to a reputable artist that follows all recommended safety precautions, getting a tattoo is perfectly safe. Make sure that you’re honest with your artist about any medical conditions as this may affect your ability to get a tattoo without the consent of your physician.

HOW MUCH DOES A TATTOO COST?

The short answer…cost varies. There are many variables such as size, detail, and placement of the tattoo. Artists experience is also a factor when pricing a tattoo. Remember, you get what you pay for so do it right and go to a pro.

WHY DO I HAVE TO COME INTO THE STUDIO TO GET A QUOTE?

This is a litmus test of an experienced artist. Most professional artists can only give you the most accurate quote in person after a consultation. Again, there are many variables such as size, detail, and placement of the tattoo. You should always come in to meet your artist in person and bring reference pictures to ensure that your artist understands exactly what you want because tattoos are permanent!

WHAT IF I HAVE MY OWN DESIGN?

Almost any design you can think of can be made into a beautiful tattoo. You are more than welcome to bring in your own design. If you already know what you want, great, it is very simple to convey your idea to your artist. The easiest way is with a picture. Even if you can’t draw, we love to do the custom work. Just describe what you want and we can turn it into your dream tattoo on paper right before your eyes!

WHERE ON MY BODY SHOULD I GET A TATTOO?

It’s completely up to you, though your artist may suggest placement of your tattoo because of its size or shape.

Apply artist approved moisturizer 3 to 4 times a day before scabs form.

Stay out chlorinated pools, salt water, and only minimum sun exposure while your tattoo is healing.

You will have surface healing in 2 weeks or approximately 14 days and complete healing in approximately 30 days.

Do not pick scabs.

WILL IT FADE?

Artistic Flesh uses the highest quality pigments in the industry. Our work is guaranteed to look clean and sharp when aftercare directions are followed or we’ll fix it for free!

CAN YOU FIX MY OLD TATTOO?

An older tattoo can be reworked into a fresh new masterpiece or color can be added to brighten your existing tattoo or your old tattoo can be completely covered with a new tattoo.

IS IT OK TO GET A TATTOO WHEN I’M SICK?

It’s not a good idea to get a tattoo when your immune system is not at 100%. Your body needs to heal after your tattoo and this will be a tougher process if your immune system is already compromised. Also, you wouldn’t want to spread germs through the tattoo studio or to your artist. If you have an appointment and become sick, call and reschedule when you’re feeling well again.

CAN I USE NUMBING CREAM OR PAINKILLERS?

You can use numbing cream, but we don’t recommend it for several reasons. Numbing creams usually needs to be applied several hours before you sit for your tattoo but only last 30-45 minutes. Also, there may be a waiting period of past your appointment time, while the artist finishes off a piece of art that took longer than expected, which makes it difficult to time the application of the cream. Secondly, even if you manage to time the application correctly, the short working period of the cream limits its effectiveness to small tattoos. Finally, if your tattoo is not finished before the cream wears off, the pain will return and since your body has been tricked and will not be producing pain-killing endorphins, it will experience the full force of the returning pain without protection.

In some customers, creams can cause the skin to become puffy. This means that the tattoo artist has to work harder to get the ink into the skin, which can cause additional trauma. This can cause repercussions during the healing process, causing additional scabbing to occur.

Tablets and painkillers can also cause issues. Aspirin thins the blood and reduces clotting, which causes excessive bleeding during your tattoo. This will affect the quality of the finished tattoo. Aspirin will also prolong the healing process. Ibuprofens may provide minor pain relief during the process, by reducing localized swelling, and will not affect the tattoo.

CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL BEFORE MY TATTOO?

We do not recommend drinking alcohol before getting a tattoo for several reasons. Besides the obvious difficulties of tattooing an intoxicated person, alcohol thins your blood which can result in excessive bleeding during your tattoo. This makes it difficult for the tattoo artist. The bleeding can also cause ink wash out which prolongs the process and can also affect the results. Lastly, alcohol can have a lasting effect for several days so it is advised that you refrain from drinking the night before your tattoo procedure as well.

IF I’M UNDER 18 CAN I GET A TATTOO WITH PERMISSION FROM MY PARENTAL OR LEGAL GUARDIAN?

This depends on the age of consent in your state. In Michigan the age of consent is 16, meaning that a person as young as 16 with the permission and attendance of their parent or legal guardian and proper documentation i.e. birth certificate, or court guardianship documents can legally receive service. Laws may vary by state.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ON THE DAY OF MY TATTOO?

First, make sure you shower. Being clean makes the procedure easier for your artist. Use mild soap and avoid perfumes and body sprays as you don’t want the fragrance to irritate your tattoo.

Secondly, be thoughtful about what you will wear. Try to wear something that exposes or provides easy access to the area you will receive your tattoo. If you can’t expose the area, be sure to wear something loose, in that area so that your tattoo isn’t smothered. Dark clothing is recommended. Though your artist will do everything they can to keep your clothes clean, there is always a possibility of getting ink on your clothing so keep that in mind.

Next, make sure to have something to eat and drink about an hour before your tattoo. Avoid caffeine or energy drinks before your tattoo. Caffeine not only thins your blood and makes to harder to sit still. During the tattoo procedure, your body responds to the trauma of the tattoo by producing endorphins. This process can cause a drop in blood sugar, resulting in lightheadedness and sometimes nausea or fainting. Eating before your tattoo can help prevent this. Alert your artist if you begin to feel lightheaded during the tattoo procedure. They may offer you something sweet to help you through it.

Finally, make sure you have proper identification like your ID, driver’s license, or passport. Check to ensure you have enough money to cover the cost of your tattoo. You may want to consider bringing an MP3 player, a book or something to hold your attention. We’d also recommend bringing water, juice or other snacks that you may want during or after your tattoo. You may need a doctor’s note if you have any medical conditions like a heart condition, a bleeding disorder, or if you have to take antibiotics. The consent form you’ll sign has a detailed list of these conditions. Having one of these conditions doesn’t usually mean we can’t tattoo you, it may only mean you’ll be asked to come back with a doctor’s consent. Your safety is our priority when getting tattooed so please understand that we do this for your well-being.

PIERCINGS

HOW MUCH DOES A PIERCING COST?

Piercing varies in price depending on where you go and the experience of the piercer. Artistic Flesh piercings start at $50. This price includes the procedure/supplies, jewelry, and individually bagged sterilization of all products.

DOES GETTING A PIERCING HURT?

There is some discomfort during the initial piercing process but piercings aren’t generally painful. The actual piercing process only takes seconds and is over pretty quickly. You may have to get used to having the jewelry in.

CAN I BRING MY OWN JEWELRY?

We do not allow clients to bring their own jewelry. We use only the highest quality jewelry available. Our jewelry is made of 3016 implant quality surgical stainless steel. It is sonically cleaned, autoclaved and provided with your piercing service for your protection. We never use old or refurbished jewelry.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY PIERCING?

Keep the pierced area clean and do not touch it without washing your hands. Do not let the area come into contact with other people or objects (including kissing or sex) for at least eight (8) weeks or longer. It is important that new piercings be thoroughly cleaned twice daily, or more often as your physician may direct. Check your piercing periodically to make sure the jewelry has not come loose or unscrewed, as this could cause problems with your piercing and during the healing process.

Healing time for piercings varies for each person and for each piercing. Please give us a call if you have any questions regarding the healing process. Tattoo and piercing professionals are not physicians and can only offer suggestions based upon their experience. You are strongly encouraged to consult with a physician prior to the piercing procedure. The physician’s advice takes precedence over Artistic Flesh’s and its associate’s suggestions.

In the event that you experience rash, discharge of fluid, bleeding, swelling, excessive redness, pain, or similar conditions in or around the pierced area, seek medical attention from your physician as soon as possible. Although you may feel the situation may not require medical attention, it is best to be conservative and have the doctor evaluate your condition.

The aftercare you give your piercing will determine how quickly it heals and its appearance. It is very important to follow these instructions and the orders of your physician to the best of your ability.